Best Spots to See Late Blooming Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Cherry blossoms live in fleeting moments. The most common type of cherry blossoms in Japan is Somei Yoshino which in Tokyo and many cities in Japan, the peak season for viewing is for about a week from late March to early April. But if you miss the peak season of cherry blossoms in Japan during spring, it’s not the end! Because there are several amazing spots where you can enjoy late blooming cherry blossoms around mid April to even early May.

▽Check out the best season to see cherry blossoms all over Japan!▽

Especially in northern part of Japan since the temperature is raising slowly, but also there are kinds of cherry blossoms that start flourishing slower than regular ones. In this article, I’d like to introduce the best places to see late cherry blossoms in Japan!

Hokkaido

Due to the cold weather, the peak season for cherry blossoms’ blooming usually arrives to Hokkaido a month later than in Tokyo, which is late April to early May. Hakodate Fort Goryokaku is one of the best spots in Hokkaido to enjoy cherry blossoms!

-Fort Goryokaku

Tohoku

Like Hokkaido, because of the cold temperature, the cherry blossoms in Tohoku area bloom 2–3 weeks later than in Tokyo, which is usually from mid to late April. Here are some of the most recommended cherry blossom viewing spots in Tohoku area.

-Hirosaki City

-Kitakami Tenshochi

-Shiroishi River

-Nicchu Railway Line Memorial Cycling Pedestrians’ Path

-Hanamiyama Park

Tokyo

While the majority of cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo features Somei Yoshino, there are several types of cherry blossoms that start flourishing 1–2 weeks later than them.

-Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, and the amazing thing about Shinjuku Gyoen is that there are a wide variety of cherry blossoms, and some of them can be enjoyed till mid to late April.

-Showa Memorial Park

Showa Memorial Park is home to 30 kinds of Cherry trees, and some of them are late blooming comparing to regular cherry trees. Some of cherry trees at the park start flourishing from early and can be enjoyed till mid April.

-Mt Takao

The popular nature spot in Tokyo, Mt Takao is known as the place for autumn leaves viewing, yet it’s also a great spot to enjoy the late-blooming cherry blossoms in nature as they start blooming about 2 weeks later than other areas in Tokyo.

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Nagano

Nagano is famous for its mountain ranges and ski resorts. Cherry blossoms in Nagano starts usually in mid April and in some places, you can enjoy cherry blossoms with snow-covered mountains at the same time. Here are some of the most gorgeous cherry blossom viewing spots in Nagano.

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Shirakawago Village

The scenic countryside village, Shirakawago is situated in Gifu Prefecture and surrounded by mountain ranges and serene nature. The best viewing time of cherry blossoms in Shirakawago usually starts mid April.

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Kyoto & Osaka

Kyoto and Osaka have similar blooming period as Tokyo (or slightly late) which usually is usually from late March to early April. But some types of cherry trees can be enjoyed till mid April.

-Ninnaji Temple

Ninnaji Temple is home to over 200 Omuro Cherry trees which can be enjoyed in early to mid April usually.

-Osaka Mint Bureau

The Osaka Mint Bureau is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka featuring mainly Yae Zakura which peak season is usually mid April.

Map: http://bit.ly/2t4WgSV
Access: 15 mins walk from Temmabashi station (Tanimachi Subway and Keihan Main Line)
Hours: 10:00～21:00
Fee: Free

+ Enjoy Shibazakura

It’s different type of cherry blossoms, but as spectacular as them. Shibazakura (pink moss in English) start blooming from mid April and can be enjoyed till mid May. There are some spectacular Pink Moss festivals available around Tokyo and Hokkaido.

-Fuji Shibazakura Festival

-Hitsujiyama Park

-Shibazakura in Hokkaido

More cherry blossoms information available here!

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